Aboveground Storage Tank and Public Water Supply Protection Act

Problem

Spills or leaks from aboveground storage tanks can contaminate local water sources, hurting local economies and communities as they must redirect funds to address the problem.

Solution

Senator Unger passed legislation this year which outlines a reasonable regulatory structure to ensure all above ground storage tanks are meeting state standards. The bill requires the creation of a registry of aboveground storage tanks in order to aid inspection and management of the tanks. This legislation also requires the Bureau for Public Health to engage federal agencies in gathering medical information to assess potential long-term health effects associated with tank spills. This approach takes existing disjointed agencies and establishes a framework where necessary information is obtained and shared more efficiently between all parties involved.